What follows is an excerpt for the 2008 Walla Walla Holiday Barrel Tasting Report. Read the full report here.

Cameron Kontos – whose eponymous winery is located in the incubator region at the airport – is currently assistant winemaker at Forgeron Cellars. This is the winery’s first release and their second day being open. This is definitely a winery to keep an eye on as all Kontos’ wines show a great deal of promise. All wines sampled at 66 degrees.

Wines:

Score

Name

Notes

$

+

Gossamer White Columbia Valley 2007

A very pleasing, easy drinking wine with a light nuttiness. Chardonnay and Viognier.

$22

+

Alatus Blend 2006

Again, light nut aromas mark the nose. Taste is tart and upfront but quite enjoyable. 33% Cab Franc; 33% Cabernet; 33% Merlot.

$32

+

Syrah Boushey Vineyard 2006

Bacon fat, burnt wood, and a light egg note mark a nose that still needs to open up a bit. A pleasing, thick taste on an excellent first effort.

$36

*

Merlot 2006

Dark licorice and, again, light egg aromas (perhaps from the fining?) mark the nose. A full, rich taste on an enjoyable wine. To be released in Spring 2009.

BS

+

Petit Verdot Lonesome Spring Vineyard 2007

Anise and blackberry on a reasonably quiet nose. On the taste, a gripping wine with a whole lot of power.

BS

+

Malbec Stone Tree Vineyard 2007

A prototypic Malbec with dark fruit, spice, and chalk. A huge amount of power and grip on the taste.

BS